Highlights from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted its class of 2022 at the Microsoft Theater in L.A. on Saturday.
The new Hall of Famers are Duran Duran, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, the Eurythmics, Lionel Richie, Judas Priest, Carly Simon, and the two so-called “controversial” nominees, Dolly Parton and Eminem.
I will say this about Dolly, though: If you’re against her being in the Rock Hall, then you’re against all the pictures and video that are flooding the Internet of her sharing a microphone with Judas Priest lead screamer Rob Halford.
Rob was part of the all-star jam on Dolly’s “Jolene”, and seeing them together is the EXACT vibe I needed this morning. So I will not tolerate your anti-Dolly snobbery.
As for Eminem, he admitted, quote, “I’m probably not supposed to actually be here tonight for a couple of reasons” . . . one being because he’s a rapper, and the other being the 2007 overdose that almost killed him.
But he proved his chops by jamming with Steven Tyler from Aerosmith. . . as well as Ed Sheeran.
On a tragic note, Duran Duran was down one member. Guitarist Andy Taylor skipped the ceremony because he’s battling stage 4 prostate cancer.
Simon Le Bon read a letter from Taylor, in which he thanked, quote, “the greatest fans a group could have” for the honor.
Robert Downey Jr. inducted Duran Duran, and said that when they played at his 50th birthday party, quote, “the wife of this prominent director tore off her bra and threw it on stage.”
Also, Lionel Richie went home with more than just a new trophy. He was there with his girlfriend, who’s 40 years younger than him. He’s 73, she’s 33.
During his set, he was joined by surprise guest Dave Grohl on “Easy”.
Carly Simon couldn’t make the ceremony, so Sara Bareilles and Olivia Rodrigo performed for her.
In addition to the performers, producer Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were honored by Janet Jackson, and Bruce Springsteen inducted Jimmy Iovine.
The show lasted more than five hours, but a pared-down version will air on HBO on November 19th.
